Journal of Nanoparticle Research最新文献

Photothermal therapy (PTT) demonstrates significant potential as a cancer treatment; however, the protective autophagy triggered by PTT limits its effectiveness. This study fabricated multifunctional nanoplatforms, BM/GNPs@ZIF8 (BGZ), by concurrently coating the autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin (BM) and the photothermal agent gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in the ZIF8 using the "one-pot method." Subsequently, a targeted alteration was performed using folic acid (FA) to develop FA-BM/GNPs@ZIF8 (FA-BGZ). The co-delivery of BM and GNPs aims to integrate autophagy regulation with PTT in a synergistic manner. The final NPs, FA-BGZ, integrate pH responsiveness, PTT, and tumor-target abilities. The stability is markedly enhanced after coating with ZIF8 (GNPs@ZIF8), with minimal effect on photothermal performance. The FA-BGZ exhibits a photothermal significant impact of approximately 32.74%. Concurrent coating of BM can inhibit autophagy and interfere with cancer cells' defensive mechanisms. Additional in vitro biological experiments further validate that FA-BGZ exhibits a significant cytotoxic effect on cervical cancer SiHa cells under near-infrared (NIR) exposure (IC₅₀: 16.52 ± 3.48 μg/mL), decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently leads to cell apoptosis. These findings suggest that FA-BGZ is a promising nanodrug delivery system (NDDS) that could enhance synergistic treatment approaches in cervical cancer cells.

Oral administration is the preferred route for drug delivery, yet its potential is severely limited by the complex biological barriers of the gastrointestinal tract. A common way to address this is through the use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs), which can protect therapeutic cargo and enhance absorption. While there has been tremendous interest in the synthesis and fabrication of NPs, questions about how their fundamental physicochemical properties dictate their success or failure in vivo have only recently received systematic attention. In this review, we outline how an integrated perspective, focused on the key design challenges of intestinal transit, can complement a purely mechanistic view. In particular, we explain how the properties required for a nanoparticle to penetrate the protective mucus layer are often in direct conflict with those required for efficient epithelial cell uptake. To address this, we propose conceptual frameworks for both evaluating and resolving this conflict. This review shows that the rational design of oral nanocarriers is much more than optimizing a single parameter: it is about creating integrated systems that can dynamically navigate the contradictory demands of the gut interface.

We report on the synthesis of bimetallic Cu-Ni nanoparticles (NPs) in deionized water (DIW) adopting two different methodologies: (i) laser ablation of Cu target in laser-generated Ni nanocolloids (abbreviated as M1 henceforth) and (ii) laser ablation of Ni target in laser-generated Cu nanocolloids (abbreviated as M2 henceforth). In both approaches, the resulting NPs show a homogeneous particle size distribution. Structural and morphological analysis using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques reveals the formation of different phases and nanostructures of NP in the samples. The Cu-Ni NPs generated using M2 show the formation of a core-shell (CS) structure in which the Cu reside at the core and the shell is composed of Ni oxide. However, in M1, solid Cu-Ni NP were assumed. The observed differences in morphology are attributed to the relative concentration of Cu and Ni, their interaction during pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) process, and their differences in nucleation rate and diffusion kinetics. The compositional analysis showed domination of Ni in both sample, which could be assumed due to the higher stability of Ni based on its physical and thermodynamic properties. The optical results also confirm the formation of bimetallic Cu-Ni NP in both samples, which is in agreement with the structural analysis of the samples. Based on the experimental findings, a possible growth mechanism for the formation of different structures and morphologies of these NPs during PLAL is systematically discussed. Furthermore, this study evidenced the importance of a chemical interaction between nanocolloids (as ablation medium species) and ablated materials, and their influence on the cavitation bubble (CB) dynamics, which affects the formation mechanism and growth kinetics of NPs.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have recently emerged as one of the most appealing candidates to substitute the lithium-ion technologies. Particularly, owing to high energy density, high operating voltage, and good structural stability, Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃ (NVPF), as a polyanion with a NASICON-type structured compound, has been extensively investigated as a cathode material for SIBs. However, the polarization and structural changes of NVPF can induce significant voltage hysteresis in NVPF, resulting in notable energy loss, compromised reversibility, and shortened cycle life. Therefore, elemental doping of Co in NVPF crystals was proposed to insight the doping effect on the electrochemical performance of NVPF, which is due to the fact that Co²⁺ can enhance the structural stability of the material and, meanwhile, the intrinsic electronic conductivity of the NVPF, thereby improving the rate performance of sodium-ion batteries. The samples of NV_1-xCo_xPF/C (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.10) with different doping contents were prepared by the sol–gel method. Eventually, by evaluating the performances of these Co-doped NV_1-xCo_xPF/C (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.10) samples, it was gotten that NV_0.95Co_0.05PF/C can offer a stable storage capacity of 71.8 mAh g⁻¹ after 300 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 63%. Even as-assembled NV_0.95Co_0.05PF/C//hard carbon full batteries can give rise to a maintained capacity of 87.3 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 2C after 150 cycles.

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have gained increasing attention as a cost-effective alternative to noble-metal nanomaterials due to their strong catalytic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Their practical use, however, is often hindered by rapid oxidation and limited stability under ambient conditions. In this study, we introduce a fast, aqueous, and environmentally friendly chemical reduction method for producing CuNPs colloidal suspensions using potassium iodide (KI) and chitosan (CS) as dual stabilizers – an approach that has not previously been examined in detail. Three formulations were prepared and analyzed: KI-stabilized (CuNP + KI), CS-stabilized (CuNP + CS), and dual-stabilized (CuNP + KI + CS) suspensions. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed successful nanoparticle formation in all systems through the appearance of a characteristic absorption peak at ~ 570 nm. Stability tests showed that the CuNP + KI formulation remained stable the longest (up to ~ 96 h at 4 °C), followed by CuNP + KI + CS and CuNP + CS. Structural characterization of the dried precipitates revealed mixed copper oxide/borate phases, with their proportions depending on the stabilizer used. Preliminary antimicrobial screening demonstrated that KI-stabilized CuNPs suspensions possess notable antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida lipolytica. No antibacterial activity was observed at the concentrations tested, likely because the CuNPs levels were insufficient to generate a detectable response, indicating the need for further investigation at higher concentrations. Overall, these results highlight an eco-friendly and efficient method for producing CuNPs colloidal suspensions with promising environmental and biomedical relevance. While KI appears to be a highly effective stabilizer, tuning the chitosan content in dual-stabilized systems may further enhance nanoparticle stability and potentially strengthen their antimicrobial performance.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as transformative materials in cancer research, integrating chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Despite exponential growth, no comprehensive bibliometric synthesis has delineated their conceptual evolution and global research dynamics. This study aims to map the intellectual structure, collaboration patterns, and thematic transitions of MOFs–cancer research from 1981 to 2025. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed using Bibliometrix (R), VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Descriptive and network analyses were applied to assess publication trends, prolific countries, institutions, and authors. Advanced techniques—Bradford’s Law, bibliographic coupling, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution mapping—were used to identify core journals, collaboration networks, and emerging research fronts. CiteSpace’s structural variation and burst detection were employed to detect transformative clusters and transient trends. The dataset comprised 2984 articles across 444 journals, exhibiting an annual growth rate of 15.12%. China and the USA dominated global output and collaboration intensity. Core journals included ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Journal of Materials Chemistry B. Thematic mapping revealed four conceptual zones: drug delivery (motor), photodynamic and chemodynamic therapy (basic), electrochemical immunosensors (niche), and coordination polymers (emerging). CiteSpace analysis (2021–2025) identified 12 major clusters, with strong bursts in Fenton-like reactions, nanotechnology, and apoptosis assay, indicating a transition from material synthesis to precision nanomedicine. MOF–cancer research has evolved from structural design toward intelligent, multifunctional therapeutic systems. The integration of catalytic, photodynamic, and immune-responsive modalities marks a paradigm shift toward translational oncology, positioning MOFs as a cornerstone of next-generation cancer nanomedicine.

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Two amphiphilic peptides, Pep1 (bis(FHLAL)‑K‑RGD) and Pep2 (bis(FLIVI)‑K‑RGD), were rationally designed to achieve direct, non-covalent anchoring onto liposomal membranes for integrin-targeted drug delivery applications. The peptides were synthesized using Fmoc-based solid-phase methods and validated through high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, confirming high purity (> 95%) and expected molecular masses. In silico analysis using coarse-grained Martini molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated successful surface anchoring of both peptides to dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine–cholesterol bilayers, with hydrophilic RGD heads exposed toward the aqueous phase. Sequence-based computational tools predicted favorable physicochemical properties, with Pep1 displaying higher aqueous solubility across a range of pH conditions, while Pep2 exhibited stronger hydrophobic interactions with lipid bilayers. Experimental characterization by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements indicated an increase in liposome size and a reduction in negative surface charge upon peptide incorporation. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy revealed well-defined unilamellar structures, confirming preserved liposome morphology. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy further supported peptide anchoring through detectable shifts in characteristic amide and lipid peaks. Collectively, these findings indicate that Pep1 and Pep2 confer complementary advantages for liposomal surface functionalization—enhancing aqueous dispersibility and lipid affinity, respectively—offering a modular approach to engineering integrin-targeted liposomal nanocarriers.

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Sodium sulphide-doped graphene oxide (Na₂S-GO) nanocomposites with varying doping concentrations of sodium sulphide were synthesized and systematically examined for their morphological, structural, dielectric, and electrical conductivity properties. Graphene oxide (GO) required for Na₂S-GO synthesis has been produced by employing a modified Hummers technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a stacked flake-like morphology characteristic of GO. When coupled with the Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), it quantified the constituent elements and verified successful doping. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis probed the structural properties of the nanocomposites; it confirmed reduction of graphite to GO, with the doped samples exhibiting smaller crystallite sizes than pure GO. Impedance spectroscopy, dielectric studies, and AC conductivity measurements indicated a non-Debye type of relaxation (Cole–Cole) and existence of hopping conduction dynamics. Arrhenius conductivity analysis demonstrated an increase in activation energy with doping. DC analysis indicated that the Mott variable range hopping (VRH) mechanism dominates charge transport in Na₂S-GO nanocomposites.

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Transforming coal tar pitch (CTP) into cleaner fuels and high-value chemicals has attracted considerable attention, largely due to its intricate molecular architecture, high content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the environmental concerns associated with its direct use. In this work, we designed a mesoporous zeolite Socony Mobil-5 (ZSM-5)/silicoaluminophosphate-11 (SAPO-11) via hydrothermal synthesis and subsequently introduced Ni nanoparticles (NNPs) using a deposition-precipitation technique, yielding Ni/(ZSM-5/SAPO-11) catalyst with a well-developed hierarchical pore system. Comprehensive structural analyses—employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), NH₃ temperature-programmed desorption (NH₃-TPD), pyridine infrared (Py-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)—revealed that the Ni was highly dispersed throughout the zeolitic framework. To probe catalytic performance under various conditions, anthracene was selected as a model compound. Remarkably, complete hydrogenation of anthracene was achieved after just 1 h of reaction in n-hexane at 160 °C under an initial hydrogen pressure (IHP) of 4 MPa, highlighting the catalyst’s exceptional activity under relatively mild catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) conditions. Furthermore, when applied to the extractable portion (EP) of CTP under the same temperature and pressure for 18 h, the catalyst facilitated nearly full conversion to cycloalkanes (95.6%), oxygen-containing organic compounds (OCOCs, 4.2%), and minor amounts of chain alkanes (CAs, 0.2%). These results collectively point to the pivotal role of both the tailored pore architecture and the uniform distribution of NNPs, which synergistically enhance molecular diffusion, active site accessibility, and the efficiency of hydrocracking and heteroatoms (HAs) removal processes.

Osteoporosis can be categorized into primary and secondary types, with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) being the most common form of secondary osteoporosis and the third most prevalent overall. This study explores the anti-osteoporosis effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and nano-hydroxyapatite (HA NPs) in a rat model of dexamethasone (DEX)-induced osteoporosis. Nanoparticle characterization was conducted using various techniques to evaluate size, shape, and chemical composition. A total of 48 adult female Swiss albino rats were divided into six groups (n = 8). Osteoporosis was induced in Groups II–VI with DEX (7 mg/kg, IM) weekly for 5 weeks. Subsequently, treatments were administered for 3 months: Group I (negative control), Group II (DEX-induced OP), Group III (alendronate (1 mg/kg) weekly), Group IV (ZnO NPs (0.50 mg/kg) monthly), Group V (HA NPs (8 mg/kg) monthly), and Group VI (combination (ZnO NPs/HA NPs) IV monthly). Serum samples were analyzed for bone metabolism markers—including cross-linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca²⁺), and phosphorus (P). Molecular analysis and histopathological assessment of femurs were performed. Results indicated that treatment with ZnO NPs or HA NPs significantly up-regulated Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX-2) expression; decreased serum CTX-1, TRACP-5b, and ALP levels; and increased Ca²⁺ and P levels, thereby promoting bone mineralization and ameliorating DEX-induced histological alterations in bone tissues. Notably, the combination treatment of ZnO NPs and HA NPs exhibited superior effects due to synergistic actions. This study highlights the promising anti-osteoporosis potential of ZnO NPs and HA NPs, both individually and in combination, for the treatment of dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis.